That happens 4,000 to 5,000 times a year, adding up to a tab of $2 million. Only 3 percent of the hangup calls are actual emergencies.

911 dialers who answered dispatchers' return calls and explained their mistake wouldn't be charged the new fee, which the city council will vote on in a few weeks.

"Obviously, there's that many pepole that don't think it's convenient to pick up the phone and say it's no problem," Lt. Abel Tenorio, a spokesman for the Vallejo police, told the Times-Herald. "This might make them think twice."

Misusing 911 lines is a violation of California state law, but the fee is a new measure against 911 abuse.

It's part of a trend of local governments trying to grapple with 911 costs. In June, Tracy, Calif., instituted a $48/year "membership" for residents who call 911 for medical emergencies.

Remember when we used to call money paid to government for essential services "taxes"?